By Ken Newbold, provost
Scripture: Psalm 146:5-10 (NRSV)
Advent is a season to find hope, joy and optimism as we celebrate the birth of Jesus. We also seek God’s healing hand in a time where difference and divisiveness seem to dominate the national narrative. In the spirit of Advent, we are called to bring unity, walk with the stranger, lift the oppressed and give voice to the unheard. It is all too common to find examples of reasons to not believe peace will reign or forgiveness afforded, but in this passage we are reminded of God’s grace, healing and hand of guidance to each of us in facing our daily struggles.
While our journeys lead us down many paths, today’s reading provides us the wisdom that God is liberating, nurturing and giving. We can learn from this passage that we can find comfort in God’s love for us regardless of our struggles and imperfections. As we reflect on this Psalm, we can recognize the unconditional love God provides and explore ways that each of us can best walk with Jesus in the pursuit of peace and justice throughout our world.
In the coming days and weeks we each have opportunities to take our faith into action and demonstrate God’s shalom in our daily lives. This Psalm brings affirmation of God’s love for us and the healing power of caring for others that should be a regular part of our faith, not only during Advent. Taking the time during this special season to be a beacon of God’s light, love and passion will help us heal and care for each other despite differences, and be examples of unity to the world.
Scripture: Psalm 146:5-10 (NRSV)
Happy are those whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord their God,
6who made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them; who keeps faith forever;
7who executes justice for the oppressed; who gives food to the hungry. The Lord sets the prisoners free;
8the Lord opens the eyes of the blind. The Lord lifts up those who are bowed down; the Lord loves the righteous.
9The Lord watches over the strangers; he upholds the orphan and the widow, but the way of the wicked he brings to ruin.
10The Lord will reign forever, your God, O Zion, for all generations. Praise the Lord!